AYS on #BlackoutTuesday
ays on #blackouttuesday
June 1, 2020
At the American Youth Symphony, we adhere firmly to the principles of Human Rights, which are universal and inalienable. We value the lives of the Black community, including our very own artists, staff, and audience members, and we do not tolerate racism, inequality, or any form of hatred. AYS will close for Blackout Tuesday. Our employees and musicians will focus on direct care for our community, calling Black friends and family to check-in, and also take time to reflect, educate ourselves, and to listen.
On Wednesday, we continue forward with our mission to inspire the future of classical music, where musicians and orchestral ensembles should act as a creative force for beauty, peace, justice, and equity. This includes increased access to this universal art form via free concerts online and throughout Los Angeles, actively recruiting a diverse pool of candidates to our blind auditions, and our in-school coaching program in Title-I middle schools. AYS will prioritize our own anti-racism work, including training for staff and a re-examination of our Cultural Equity and Inclusion statement, plan, and policy. We invite our friends and audience to join us in creating programs that celebrate Black musicians and their art.
#BlackoutTuesday #TheShowMustBePaused
